A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir—Book Overview
Ever wondered what it's like to grow up on Staten Island and end up on Saturday Night Live? How does someone go from struggling with speech to becoming a head writer for one of TV's most iconic comedy shows?
In A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, Colin Jost takes you on a hilarious journey through his life. You'll get an inside look at his childhood challenges, his time at Harvard, and his rise through the ranks at SNL.
Ready to dive into Jost's world of comedy, mishaps, and self-deprecating humor? Let's explore the highlights of this entertaining memoir.
Overview of A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir
A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir provides a behind-the-scenes look at Colin Jost's unconventional path to success with Saturday Night Live. The comedian and writer shares the obstacles he overcame, from overcoming speech impediments as a child to battling anxiety and doubts early in his SNL career.
Jost offers an honest, relatable account of his experiences, from the rehearsal rooms of SNL to travel misadventures abroad. He touches on finding confidence, pursuing passions, facing challenges head-on—all told with the signature wit that made him a standout talent on Weekend Update.
Early Life and Education
Colin Jost's journey from a kid with communication challenges to a Harvard graduate is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up on Staten Island, Jost faced some unique obstacles that shaped his early years and set the stage for his future success.
Overcoming Speech Difficulties
As a child, Jost struggled with verbal communication. He didn't say his first words until he was almost four years old, which is much later than typical. Despite being able to understand others' emotions, he could only communicate through gestures and basic sounds. This led to frustration and sometimes even aggressive behavior as he tried to express himself.
These early challenges didn't just disappear as he grew older. Even in his early career, Jost battled intense anxiety about public speaking. He'd get nervous about something as simple as answering a phone call, worried he wouldn't be able to articulate his thoughts effectively. It's a stark contrast to the confident performer we see on SNL today, showing just how far he's come.
Life on Staten Island
Jost's upbringing on Staten Island played a significant role in shaping his worldview and sense of humor. Staten Island is often misunderstood, with a rich history stretching from the Revolutionary War to its current status as a tight-knit community of hardworking individuals. Jost's family was deeply rooted in this community, creating a dynamic similar to the beloved sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond."
The diverse neighborhoods within Staten Island provided Jost with a strong sense of community and unity. This feeling of belonging would later be mirrored in his experience as part of the Saturday Night Live ensemble. It's clear that Jost's Staten Island roots have had a lasting impact on his life and career.
Academic Journey
Jost's academic path took him from Staten Island to some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. His hard work and talent earned him a spot at the highly selective Regis High School in New York. This opportunity allowed him to explore Manhattan's diverse culture, attending various art events and even playing pool, despite the long commute from Staten Island involving buses, ferries, and subways.
His journey then led him to Harvard, where he initially planned to study economics. However, his love for classic European novels, which he developed in high school, led him to switch his focus to Russian literature. Jost immersed himself in the subject, learning Russian and writing an extensive thesis on Nabokov's early works. He even secured funding to travel to Russia and translate previously untranslated texts.
This academic journey, from speech therapy sessions in Staten Island to earning a degree from Harvard, showcases Jost's remarkable personal and intellectual growth. It's a testament to his perseverance and adaptability, traits that would serve him well in his future career.
Breaking Into Comedy
After his academic success, Jost set his sights on the world of comedy. His experiences at Harvard, particularly with a renowned comedic publication, set the stage for his future career.
The Harvard Lampoon Experience
Jost's time with The Harvard Lampoon was crucial in shaping his comedic voice. This group, known for its witty content and elaborate initiation rituals, challenged the norms of Harvard and the broader Boston area. It provided a space for aspiring comedians to come together and create humorous content.
The Lampoon's environment was intense, mirroring the dedication required for stand-up comedy and writing for Saturday Night Live. Jost threw himself into this world, even missing his grandfather's funeral to ensure his work for the Lampoon was ready. The presidential elections for the Lampoon were taken extremely seriously, with Jost's own election involving a 14-hour debate.
This experience taught Jost the importance of finding a community united by a love for comedy. He advises aspiring comedians to seek out similar groups, emphasizing how the Lampoon became his main focus during his college years.
Early Career Struggles
After college, Jost was determined to make it in comedy. He left his job at the Staten Island Advance, using his savings to pursue comedy full-time. He took a proactive approach, personally reaching out to shows like The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." Despite sending out numerous applications, he only received a response from "The Late Show with David Letterman."
Jost's early writing career was diverse and sometimes unconventional. He wrote a pilot script for a show similar to Reno 911, created fictional stories for a popular magazine while working for the New York Fire Department, and even wrote for a Nickelodeon show called Kappa Mikey, sometimes working out of his boss's apartment.
For about five years, Jost honed his stand-up skills in downtown bars before breaking into the city's top comedy clubs like Carolines, Gotham, the Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, and the Comedy Cellar. His big break came with his first appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon after a successful performance at the Montreal Comedy Festival.
Despite facing challenges like performing for crowds smaller than a typical dinner party, Jost remained committed to his comedy career. Whether in "alternative" spaces or top-tier comedy clubs, he persevered, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Saturday Night Live Career
Jost's career at Saturday Night Live has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. His dual role as a writer and performer presented unique obstacles and opportunities for growth.
Weekend Update Challenges
When Jost took over as head writer and co-anchor for Weekend Update, following Seth Meyers, he faced intense scrutiny. The increased exposure brought criticism, some of which Jost admits he deserved. Being in front of the camera added another layer of complexity, as his fear-driven behavior sometimes came across as overconfident or arrogant to viewers.
The transition wasn't smooth sailing. Jost had to audition to keep his role, a process he found ridiculous as it put him in competition with his fellow writers and performers. He even had a dispute with the show's producers about his involvement in Weekend Update, leading him to question his future with the segment.
Finding His Voice
Over time, Jost grew more comfortable on screen. His partnership with Michael Che, his fellow Weekend Update anchor, played a crucial role in this development. Che's tendency to question traditional views helped Jost find his own voice and encouraged the duo to take more risks.
The turning point came when Jost started creating jokes and content that aligned with his unique comedic style, rather than trying to fit into others' expectations of what was funny. He evolved from a hesitant beginner to someone who embraced the challenging segment with enthusiasm, showcasing his growing confidence and distinctive wit.
Writing for SNL
Jost's extensive experience as a writer for SNL has given him a unique perspective on the show's creative process. He's worked with a diverse array of hosts, writers, and performers, adapting to their distinct styles and managing the intricate details necessary for each comedy piece. Jost takes pride in writing material in his own voice, focusing on content he cares about rather than external pressures.
His responsibilities extend beyond just writing. Jost also oversees the visual and functional aspects of his sketches, including set design, hairstyling, and costume selection, ensuring his creative visions align with the demands of live broadcasting. Despite the vast scope of his duties, Jost thrives in this dynamic environment, contributing significantly to the creation and airing of over five hundred comedy segments.
Personal Growth at SNL
From his early days of pitching sketch ideas to his fifteenth anniversary with the show, Jost has undergone significant personal and professional growth. He's transitioned from a nervous newcomer to a respected veteran, now able to impart his knowledge to rising stars.
His role as head writer deepened his understanding of the show's dynamics, challenging him to balance individual team members' goals with the show's overall objectives. Throughout his tenure, Jost's growth, adaptability, and resilience have been key to his evolution from being intimidated by the show's legendary status to playing a crucial role in shaping its creative direction.
Beyond Snl: Personal Anecdotes
While Jost is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, his memoir offers a glimpse into his life beyond the iconic show. These personal stories, characterized by a mix of humor and adventure, provide a more rounded view of the comedian.
Travel Misadventures
Jost's travels have led to some memorable, if not always pleasant, experiences. In Paris, he found himself the target of tomato-throwing teenagers, an incident that ended with an angry chase through the streets. In Prague, he had an unfortunate encounter with a communal potato salad dish, which he handled with more restraint than the Paris incident.
These travel stories highlight the diverse and unexpected encounters Jost has had throughout his journeys. They showcase his ability to find humor in uncomfortable situations and provide a relatable glimpse into the less glamorous side of travel.
Health Scares and Mishaps
Jost's memoir also touches on some more serious incidents, including health scares and accidents. He recounts a particularly embarrassing golf outing that ended with him sheepishly returning to the putting greens. On the more concerning side, he's faced health scares from suspected infections that required extensive medical consultations and treatments.
One particularly alarming incident involved a potential leishmaniasis or MRSA infection, highlighting the more serious risks of his travels. Jost's storytelling infuses humor into these potentially stressful situations, offering a refreshing perspective that contrasts sharply with the gravity typically associated with such circumstances.
His tales provide insight into a wide range of experiences beyond just humor, encompassing encounters with dangerous wildlife, episodes of illness, and injuries like a broken hand. Through it all, Jost maintains his characteristic wit, finding the funny side in even the most challenging situations.
These personal anecdotes add depth to Jost's public persona, showing that even successful comedians face their share of mishaps and challenges. They serve as a reminder that behind the polished performances we see on SNL, there's a real person with real experiences – both good and bad.